Two ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) are currently in custody at the Lethem Police Station, on allegations of kidnapping and extortion. Additionally, a Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) employee Phillip Paruag, has been fingered as being one of the suspects involved in the matter.
According to reports, a Brazilian businessman and his wife were allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom by the CANU officers. The incident is said to have taken place in Lethem, where the couple was visiting.
Meanwhile, this newspaper understands that Paruag, a GRA officer, who is currently hospitalised after indicating that he was experiencing dengue symptoms, had initially turned himself over to the police when the matter first came to his attention.
When contacted by Stabroek News for details, GRA Head Godfrey Statia confirmed that the authority was aware of the allegations and will allow the police to conduct their investigation before making any further comments.
This is not the first time Paruag has been accused of wrongdoing. In 2016, he was dismissed by the GRA following investigations into similar allegations. However, he was rehired in 2021 and deployed to Lethem. It is also reported that there have been numerous complaints about Paruag’s behaviour during his time in Berbice and Lethem.
The Commander of the Lethem Division has thus far declined to comment, suggesting that Police PRO Mark Ramotar be contacted for further information. However, attempts to reach Ramotar were unsuccessful, while his second-in-command said that she had not yet received the report and was unable to comment.
The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that more details will emerge as the probe continues.
